Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Admissions summary
Brief summary
Admissions by Henry Marsh is a captivating memoir that takes readers inside the world of neurosurgery. Marsh shares his personal experiences, ethical dilemmas, and the high-stakes decisions he faces in the operating room.
Topics
Table of Contents
Admissions
Summary of key ideas
The Reality of a Neurosurgeon's Life
In Admissions, Henry Marsh, a renowned neurosurgeon, takes us into the world of neurosurgery, revealing the harsh realities of his profession. He starts by sharing his experiences in Ukraine, where he volunteers to perform surgeries in hospitals lacking even the most basic medical equipment. Marsh paints a grim picture of the healthcare system in the region, emphasizing the stark contrast to the advanced facilities he is used to in England.
Marsh then takes us back to his early days as a neurosurgeon, highlighting the intense pressure and responsibility that comes with the job. He discusses the emotional toll of having to make life-and-death decisions on a daily basis, and the weight of responsibility that comes with every surgery. He also reflects on the ethical dilemmas he faced, such as whether to operate on patients with poor prognosis, and the emotional toll of dealing with patients who suffer severe post-operative complications.
The Complexity of the Brain and Human Nature
As the book progresses, Marsh delves into the complexities of the brain and the human body. He explains the challenges of performing surgeries on such a delicate and complex organ, and the fine balance between saving a patient's life and preserving their quality of life. He also discusses the unpredictability of the brain, emphasizing how even the most routine surgeries can take unexpected turns.
Marsh also reflects on the nature of his patients, revealing the deeply personal stories behind each surgery. He discusses the emotional connections he formed with his patients, and the difficulty of maintaining a professional distance. He also highlights the resilience and courage of many patients, as they face life-altering surgeries with remarkable strength.
The End of a Career and the Circle of Life
As Marsh nears the end of his career, he contemplates the idea of retirement and the fear of losing his identity as a surgeon. He shares his experiences of working in Nepal, where he continues to perform surgeries despite his age and the challenging conditions. He also discusses his decision to retire, acknowledging the physical and mental toll of his profession.
In the final chapters of Admissions, Marsh reflects on the inevitability of death and the circle of life. He shares his personal experiences with mortality, both in his professional life and in his personal relationships. He also discusses his own aging process, acknowledging the limitations that come with growing old.
A Thought-Provoking Reflection on Life and Death
In conclusion, Admissions is a thought-provoking reflection on life and death from the perspective of a neurosurgeon. Marsh's candid and often emotional account offers a unique insight into the world of neurosurgery, while also prompting us to consider our own mortality and the fragility of life. The book leaves us with a profound appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of cherishing every moment we have.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Admissions about?
Admissions is a memoir by Henry Marsh, a renowned neurosurgeon. In this gripping book, Marsh takes us on a journey through his career, sharing the highs and lows of working in one of the most challenging and high-stakes fields of medicine. With honesty and reflection, he delves into the complexities of the human brain, the ethical dilemmas he has faced, and the profound impact his work has had on his own life. A compelling and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the medical profession.
Admissions Review
Admissions (2017) offers a captivating insight into the world of neurosurgery through the eyes of Henry Marsh. Here's why this book is a compelling read:
- With raw honesty, the author shares the complexities and moral dilemmas faced in the operating room, providing a unique look into the life of a brain surgeon.
- Marsh's humility and vulnerability shine through, making his experiences relatable and humanizing the often intimidating world of medicine.
- The book masterfully weaves together medical drama, ethical challenges, and personal reflections, ensuring each page is filled with intrigue and introspection.
Who should read Admissions?
People interested in the inner workings of the medical profession
Readers who enjoy personal memoirs and reflections on life
Those curious about the ethical dilemmas and emotional challenges faced by a neurosurgeon
Categories with Admissions
Book summaries like Admissions
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Admissions FAQs
What is the main message of Admissions?
The main message of Admissions is the reflection on life and death through the lens of a neurosurgeon.
How long does it take to read Admissions?
Reading Admissions takes a few hours, but the Blinkist summary can be completed in just 15 minutes.
Is Admissions a good book? Is it worth reading?
Admissions is a captivating read with insights into life's fragility that make it worth the read.
Who is the author of Admissions?
The author of Admissions is Henry Marsh.
What to read after Admissions?
If you're wondering what to read next after Admissions, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
- Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
- The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright